Method of and apparatus for carbonating, having intersecting streams of gas and liquid

ABSTRACT

A two-stage carbonator for carbonating fluids in a single chamber having a venting system by which the chamber is at least partially vented of pressure to allow entry of fluid from a lowpressure line. The pressurized gas inlet directs the stream of gas tangentially to the liquid outlet through a normally open valve. The gas stream is thus directed into the chamber during discharge and passes adjacent the discharge opening thereby supercharging the exiting fluid, increasing the degree of carbonation.

United States Patent Theodore S. Colomina Utica, Mich.;

Thomas E. Davis, Macedonia, Ohio; Kenneth W. Schang, Dearbom, Mich.767,163

Oct. 14, 1968 Mar. 30, 1971 Eaton Yale 8: Town Inc.

Inventors Appl. No. Filed Patented Assignee METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FORCARBONATING, HAVING INTERSECTING STREAMS OF GAS AND LIQUID 12 Claims, 6Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 222/1, 222/129.1,261/l2l Int. Cl B67d 5/56 FieldofSearch.....261/121,

79.1, 19 (X), (Carborator Digest); 222/1 129.1, 195 (Curso y), 67, 69,76

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,498,812 6/1924 Sager261/52 1,655,816 1/1928 Josephson.... 261/121 2,169,632 4/1940 Hoyer eta1. 26l/Digest 3,074,700 1/1963 Buttner, Sr. et a1.. 261/135 3,472,42510/ 1969 Booth et al. 222/129.1

Primary Examiner-Stanley H. Tollberg Assistant Examiner-415. LaneAttorney-Hill, Sherman, Meroni, Gross & Simpson ABSTRACT: A two-stagecarbonator for carbonating fluids in a single chamber having a ventingsystem by which the chamber is at least partially vented of pressure toallow entry of fluid from a low-pressure line. The pressurized gas inletdirects the stream of gas tangentially to the liquid outlet through anormally open valve. The gas stream is thus directed into the chamberduring discharge and passes adjacent the discharge opening therebysupercharging the exiting fluid, increasing the degree of carbonation.

rvrlsrrro or Ann ArsAnATtJs tron CARBONATING, rrAvrNe rnrsasscrrmcSTREAMS or GAS AND Lroum BACKGROUND OF T l-IE INVENTION I. Field of theInvention This invention relates to methods, systems and apparatus forthe carbonation of fluids and more particularly for carbonating waterwith CO 2. Prior Art Devices designed to mix a liquid such as water witha gas such as CO to carbonate the liquid, producing soda water, areknown to the prior art. In order to carbonate the liquid, it isnecessary to utilize a pressure chamber in which the liquid and gas areintermixed to dissolve a portion of the gas in the liquid. Most priorart devices have maintained pressure in the mixing chamber and haveintroduced both gas and liquid thereto under pressure. This requires apump or other such device to feed the liquid to the chamber.

inasmuch as the amount of CO dissolved into the liquid is dependent upontemperatures and pressures encountered in the system, the amount ofcarbonation of the withdrawing liquid can vary. Additionally,-it may bedesirable to add a further carbonation to the system during dispensingto provide a back pressure to force the soda from the mixing chamber.The prior art carbonation devices, while using additional gas flow tothe pressure vessel to aid in dispensing soda, have not utilized thisgas flow to aid in the carbonation of the dispensed fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes thedeficiencies in the prior art by providing a fluid carbonator whichintroduces fluid to the pressure chamber ata normal line pressure and,by appropriate direction of the entering gas stream, adds gas to thepressure chamber during dispensing in such a manner that the added gassupercharges the soda water, hereinafter referred to as soda, fluid orcarbonated fluid, being dispensed.

The pressure mixing chamber is provided with a valveoperated ventadapted to vent the interior of the pressure chamber to the atmosphere.This vent is open during the filling operation, thereby allowing thepressure chamber to be filled with fluid from a low pressure line suchas a standard water tap. During this operation, the pressurized gassupply system is closed. When the fluid level in the chamber has reachedthe desired level, as sensed by a buoyant float, the vent is closed andthe pressurized gas supply system is opened, thereby allowing thechamber to be pressurized with C The presence of high-pressure CO in thepressure chamber causes a baclrflow of pressure into the fluid supplysystem actuating a checlt valve to cutoff fluid flow. When the pressurein the chamber rises to a point of equalization with the pressure in thegas supply system, the gas flow ceases. As soda is withdrawn from thechamber, gas again begins to flow into the pressure chamber. The gasinletis directed substantially tangential (i.e. more tangential thannot) relative to the dispensing outlet, thereby causing a gas stream toflow past the fluid being dispensed. A portion of this gas is picked upby the dispensing fluid thereby supercharging the fluid and addingcarbonation thereto. After dispensing has been completed, if the fluidlevel in the pressure chamber has fallen below a desired point, the gassupply system is closed and the vent is opened, thus reducing pressurewithin the chamber to atmospheric and allowing refill by fluid throughthe check valve.

An adjustable pressure regulator may be attached to the vent to allowthe vent system to selectively retain a desired pressure in the pressurechamber during refilling. This is particularly advantageous insituations where the pressure chamber is attached to a high pressurefluid source. In such situations the adjustable pressure regulator canbe set to a pressure slightly below the fluid line pressure but aboveatmospheric pressure. This provides a saving in CO inasmuch as thepressure chamber is not entirely evacuated during refilling with fluid.In those situations where a low fluid line pressure is encountered, theadjustable pressure regulator attached to the vent system can be set toa lower pressure retention figure or even to atmospheric pressure.

The present invention thereby provides a liquid carbonator which canoperate from a low-pressure level fluid source without the need of pumpsor other fluid flow enhancers and which supercharges the carbonation ofthe liquid during dispensing from the mixing chamber.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a new andimproved liquid carbonator.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a liquid carbonatorhaving a mixing chamber which can receive a flow of fluid from alow-pressure source and which supercharges the fluid upon dispensingfrom the mixing chamber.

It is a further and more specific object of this invention to provide aliquid carbonator having a mixing chamber with a dispensing orifice anda gas inlet orifice directed with respect to the discharge orifice suchthat gas entering the chamber supercharges fluid being dispensedtherefrom.

It is yet another and more specific object of this invention to providea liquid carbonator having a mixing chamber with a discharge outlet 'anda gas inlet therein, the gas inlet directed substantially tangential(i.e. more tangential than not) to the liquid outlet and apparatus forcausing gas inflow during discharging of the liquid so that thedischarged liquid is supercharged to a higher state of carbonationduring discharge.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a liquidcarbonator having a mixing chamber vented to atmosphere during refillingwith an adjustable pressure regulator for selectively retaining adesirable level of pressure within the chamber less than the fluid inletpressure during refilling and apparatus for supercharging to a higherlevel of carbonation dispensing liquid.

Other and further objects of this invention will be apparent to thoseskilled in this art from the following detailed descrip tion of theannexed sheets of drawings which, by way of a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, illustrate one example of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic view in crosssection illustrating the carbonator of this invention. I

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines II-Il of FIG. ll.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an electrical circuit for thecarbonator of this invention illustrating the initial position in theoperating sequence.

FIG. t is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the second position inthe operating sequence thereof.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrating the thirdposition in the operating sequence thereof.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrating the fourthposition in the operating sequence thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The carbonator 10 of thisinvention includes a pressure mixing chamber ll! which is illustrated asbeing oval but which may be of other configurations. The mixing chamber11 has a conduit 12 communicating therewith on one end and communicatingwith a check valve 13 on the other end. The check valve 13 isoperatively connected to a conduit 14 adapted to be connected-to a fluidsupply source, such as a standard water tap line, associated with afluid at a positive pressure. The check valve 13 is of the type designedto allow fluid flow in one direction only, in this instance into themixing chamber 11. When the pressure in the mixing chamber it is greaterthan the positive pressure of the fluid in the conduit it, therebytending to force fluid back through the conduit. The check valve 13 willblock such fluid flow.

A vent pipe 15 projects through a wall 16 of the mixing chamber llll andterminates near the top thereof. Although the vent pipe is illustratedas being a simple conduit, it is to be understood that it may take otherconfigurations such as a simple valve opening in the mixing chamber 11.

The vent pipe 15 communicates with a conduit 17 in which is associatedin pressure release valve 18 adapted to open if the pressure in themixing chamber 11 exceeds a safe level. The vent pipe 15 also hasassociated therewith a normally closed valve 19 which is illustrated asbeing operated by a solenoid 20. An adjustable pressure regulator 60 maybe associated with the vent pipe 15 downstream from the valve 19. Theadjustable pressure regulator 60 allows selective regulation of theamount of pressure retained in the pressure chamber during venting.

A gas supply system 21 is operatively connected to the mixing chamber 11and comprises a conduit 22 which enters the wall 16 of the mixingchamber near the bottom of the chamber and direct the gas substantiallytangential (i.e. more tangential than not) to a carbonated fluiddischarge opening 51. The conduit 22 is attached to a further conduit 23through a normally open valve 24 which is illustrated as being operatedby a solenoid 25. The conduit 23 is operatively connected to a pressureregulator 26 which in turn is operatively connected to a further conduit27 adapted to be connected to a source of pressurized C0 The pressureregulator 26 is adapted to provide a constant pressure to the mixingchamber 11, as for example 100 lb. per sq. in., even though the pressurein the conduit 27 may be considerably above that.

A dispensing system 28 is associated with the mixing chamber 11 and isillustrated as comprising a conduit 29 one end portion of which isconnected to the discharge opening 51, the other end portion extendsthrough the wall 16 of the mixing chamber at the bottom thereof andterminates in a valve 39 operated by a dispensing handle 31. A mixinghead 32 having a dispensing opening 33 therein is operatively connectedto the valve 30.

In those installations where it is desired to mix the carbonated fluidfrom the mixing chamber 11 with a flavoring syrup, the syrup supplysystem can also be infed to the dispensing valve 30 and mixed with thesoda in the mixing head 32.

Also associated with the dispensing valve 30 is a normally closed switch34 having electrical wires 35 attached thereto. The switch is adapted tobe operated by the dispensing handle 31 coextensively with the valve 30.The switch 34 can be considered as being a first control system.

A second control system 36 is positioned within the mixing chamber 11and is adapted to sense the fluid level therein. The second controlsystem is illustrated as comprising a central column 37 extending fromthe bottom of the mixing chamber 11 to near the top thereof. A buoyantfloat 38 is positioned around the column 37 and adapted to move up anddown thereon. Near the top of the column 37 interior thereof is a reedswitch 39. The reed switch 39 is of a type normally closed in its freestate. A magnet associated with the float 38 is adapted to open theswitch 39 when the float rises to a certain point on the column 37.Opening of the switch 39 breaks the contact between the electrical wires40 and 41.

OPERATION OF THE CARBONATOR FIGS. 3 through 6 schematically illustrate asimplified wiring diagram for the carbonator 10. The system comprisestwo switches 34 and 39 and the two solenoid valve operators and with theswitches in series and the valve operators in parallel. As has beenstated above, the switches 34 and 39 are normally closed while the valve24 on the gas inlet 22 operated by the solenoid 25 is normally open.

FIG. 3 illustrates the system as it is pictured in FIG. 1 with themixing chamber 11 filled with fluid to its desired operating height. Atthis point, the switch 34 is closed while the switch 39, due to thepresence of the magnet carried by the float 38, is held open. Thereforethe solenoids 20 and 25 are not energized by the power source to whichthe ends 45 and 46 of the wires 47, 48 are coupled. The solenoids 20 and25 are parallelly connected between the wires 47 and 48.

At this point, the valve 19 on the vent pipe I5 is closed while thevalve 24 on the gas supply system 2l is open. Therefore pressurized COis free to pass into the mixing chamber 11 where some of it will bedissolved in the fluid in the chamber while the remainder rises to theupper portion 52 of the chamber pressurizing the chamber to whateverpressure level the pressure regulator 26 is set. The presence ofpressure in the chamber 11 greater than the line pressure in the conduit14 attached to the fluid supply system produces a back pressure in theconduit 12 effective to actuate the check valve 13 thereby preventingflow of fluid into the mixing chamber I].

When it is desired to withdraw soda from the mixing chamber 11 thehandle 31 on the dispensing valve 30 is actuated to open the valvethereby passing soda through the conduit 29 to the mixing head 32 whereit may be mixed with flavored syrup or the like. Actuating the valve 30opens the switch 34 associated therewith producing the electricalconfiguration shown in FIG. 4. At this point, the valve 19 is stillclosed, the valve 24 is open and the valve 30 is open. Both the switches34 and 39 are open, thereby preventing cnergization of the solenoids 20and 25. Fluid from the mixing chamber will then be forced out of thechamber due to the presence of high pressure therein. As fluid iswithdrawn from the chamber the pressure therein will drop, destroyingthe pressure equalization in the gas supply system and allowing furthergas to enter the chamber 11 in an attempt to continue to pressurize itat the pressure set by the pressure regulator 26. The entering gas fromthe conduit 22 acts, in a manner hereinafter described, to superchargethe exiting fluid and to continue the pressure in the mixing chamber atthe desired level.

As more fluid is withdrawn, the buoyant float 38 will move down thecolumn 37 to a point where the magnets carried by the float will ceaseto retain the switch 39 in its open position. Contact will therefore bemade between the wires 40 and 41 which are illustrated in the schematicdrawings as being a part of the wire 47. This condition is illustratedin FIG. 5 where the switch 34 associated with the dispensing valve 30remains open due to the actuation of the handle 3l while the switch 39on the central column is now closed due to the removal of the buoyantfloat 38. The solenoids 20 and 25 will remain unenergized so that thevalve 19 remains in its normally closed posi tion and the valve 24remains in its normally open position.

After the desired amount of soda has been withdrawn from the mixingchamber 11 and the valve 30 is closed by releasing the handle 31, theelectrical schematic will be as represented in FIG. 6. The switch 34associated with the dispensing valve 30 will now be closed connectingthe wires 35. Further, because of the reduction in fluid level withinthe chamber 11, the switch 39 in the central column 37 will also beclosed. Therefore electricity may flow from the power source through thewires 41, 47, 48 and 49 energizing the solenoids 20 and 25. Energizationof the solenoid 20 will open the normally closed valve thereby ventingthe interior of the mixing chamber 11 to the atmosphere. At the sametime the solenoid 25 will close the valve 24 thus cutting off flow ofgas to the interior of the mixing chamber. With the gas cutoff and thevent open, the pressure in the mixing chamber 11 will rapidly drop toatmospheric. Due to the presence of a positive pressure in the liquidsupply system conduit 14, the check valve 13 will open. Fluid will thusflow through the conduit 12 into the interior of the mixing chamber 11.As the chamber 11 fills with fluid from the conduit 12, the buoyantfloat 38 will rise up the central column 37. When the float 38 hasreached a position where the magnets carried thereby are in a positionto open the switch 39, electrical contact will be broken and the systemwill revert to that illustrated in FIG. 3.

At that point, the solenoid 20 will be deenergized and the valve 19 willbe returned to its normally closed position by means such as springs orthe like. This will stop venting of the chamber to the atmosphere. Atthe same time, deenergiration of the solenoid 25 will allow the valve 24to return to its normally open position and a flow of gas will beginfrom the gas supply system through the conduit 22 to the interior of themixing chamber. This flow is caused by the difference in pressurebetween the interior of the mixing chamber and the gas supply systemdownstream of the pressure regulator 26.

As the gas flows into the mixing chamber under pressure, part of it willbe dissolved into the liquid thereby changing it into carbonated fluidwhile the remaining gas will rise to the top of the chamber andpressurize it. The buildup of pressure caused by the entrance ofpressurized gas into the mixing chamber will cause a flow back throughthe conduit 12 closing the check valve i3. As the pressure in the mixingchamber ll reaches that set on the pressure regulator 26 an equalizationof pressure will occur and the flow of gas into the pressure chamber 111will cease.

it can therefore be seen that the gas flow to the interior of thepressure chamber is always cutoff during filling of the chamber and thatthe chamber is vented to atmospheric pressure at such times. it is alsoto be noted that during dispensing of soda from the pressure chamber,gas continues to be introduced through the gas supply system 21 to thechamber.

in a modification of the above operation, an adjustable pressureregulator fill is provided in thevent system. The adjustable pressureregulator 60 allows a selected pressure to be retained in the pressurechamber during venting of the chamber. Therefore in situations where thefluid pressure in the conduit M is relatively high, the adjustablepressure regulator 60 can be set at a level below that pressure butabove atmospheric pressure thereby retaining a pressure in the pressurevessel even though the valve 19 is open. Such a pressure will not hinderflow of fluid to the pressure chamber in as much as the fluid linepressure still remains greater than the pressure interior of thepressure chamber.

The provision of a flow of gas to the pressure chamber during dispensingis important and it can be seen that even if a small amount of fluid iswithdrawn from the chamber during dispensing, the gas flow continues.This is true even though the amount withdrawn is insufficient to allowthe float 38 to move down the central column 37 to a point where thereed switch 39 is allowed to close. This is because ofthe presence ofthe normally open valve 24 in the gas supply system 21.

it is sometimes desirable to increase the amount of carbonation of thefluid in the mixing chamber. in some instances this has beenaccomplished through the use of agitating pumps and/or other means. Thepresent invention contemplates the use of a supercharging capacityutilizing the gas flow from the gas supply system 21 during dispensing.

For this purpose, an indentation or ledge 50 is formed in the wall to ofthe pressure vessel lli near the bottom thereof and adjacent the opening51 from which the dispensing conduit 29 extends. The conduit 22tenninates at a backwall 53 of the ledge 5d and projects the gas streaminto the interior of the pressure vessel 11 through an aperture in thewall 53. The conduit 22 is so located with respect to the opening 51that the gas stream entering the mixing chamber ii is directedsubstantially tangential (i.e. more tangential than not) relative to theopening 51.

Due to the provision of a continuing gas stream during dispensing anddue to the location of the entrance of the gas stream with respect tothe discharge opening 51, some of the entering CO will be dissolved inthe exiting soda, thereby superchargingthe exiting soda with CO and bythis second stage carbonation, increasing the degree of carbonation ofthe exiting soda over that which it was in the carbonator prior todispensing. The remaining CO not picked up by the exiting soda will riseto the upper portion 52 of the mixing chamber ill to maintainthe-pressure in the mixing chamber 111 and to aid in forcing the sodaout of the discharge opening 51.

Although the entering gas stream is described as being directedtangentially to the opening 511 in order to minimize turbulence, it isto be understood that the gas stream could be passed directly over orchordally to the opening or at some other relative direction thereto. itis also to be understood that a nozzle may be placed on the end of theconduit 22 interior of the mixing chamber 11 to further. aid in thedirection of the gas stream and to enhance the second stage carbonationof the dispensing fluid.

We claim:

l. in a carbonator for carbonating fluids in a mixing chamber havingliquid and gas inlets to the chamber and a dispensing outlet adapted topass carbonated fluid from the chamber, the improvement of: continuingthe gas flow under pressure into the chamber during dispensing of fluidfrom the chamber and directing the entering gas stream past thedispensing outlet to increase the carbonation level of the fluid beingdispensed, the gas inlet conduit terminating in relatively close spacedrelation to the outlet opening and the pressured gas stream from saidconduit being directed with regard to the outlet such that the fluidstream to the outlet partially intersects the gas stream.

2. The carbonator of claim 1 wherein the gas stream is directed to oneside of the dispensing opening.

3. The carbonator of claim 2 wherein the gas stream is directedtangentially to the dispensing opening.

4. A carbonator for carbonating fluids comprising: a pressure vesselmixing chamber, a vent connected to said chamber adapted to vent theinterior thereof to the atmosphere, at fluid source connected with saidmixing chamber adapted to supply fluid thereto, a relatively highpressure gas source connected to said mixing chamber and adapted tosupply pressurized gas thereto, a dispensing opening in said chamberadapted to withdraw fluid from the interior thereof, means for closingthe vent, means for shutting off flow of fluid to the mixing chamber,means for shutting otf flow of pressurized gas to the mixing chamber,means for stopping withdrawal of fluid from the mixing chamber, meansfor controlling the vent means and gas means, and means for addingcarbonation to fluid being withdrawn from the chamber throughout saiddispensing opening, the inlet conduit from the gas source terminating inrelatively close spaced relation to the dispensing opening, the gasstream from the conduit being directed at the dispensing opening suchthat thc fluid stream from the chamber through the dispensing openingpartially intersects the relatively high pressure gas stream from theconduit.

5. A device for adding carbonation to a fluid comprising:

a pressure vessel mixing chamber;

a vent for said chamber;

a fluid supply system for said chamber;

a pressurized gas supply system forsaid chamber;

a dispensing system for said chamber;-

first valve means adapted to open and close said vent;

second valve means adapted to open and close said fluid supply system;

third valve means adapted to open and close said gas supply system;

fourth valve means adapted to open and close said dispensing system;

first control means;

said first control means responsive to actuation of said fourth valvemeans;

said first control means adapted to override a second control means;

said second control means responsive to fluid level in said chamber;

said second control means adapted to control said first and third valvemeans;

said second valve means responsive to pressure in said chamber adaptedto supply fluid to said chamber in the absence of pressure in saidchamber;

said first control means effective to continue supply of gas throughsaid gas supply system to said chamber during dispensing of fluid fromsaid chamber through said dispensing system;

said dispensing system having a dispensing opening in said chamber;

said pressured gas supply system terminating in said chamber adjacentsaid dispensing opening;

and said tennination of said gas supply system effective to addcarbonation to the fluid being dispensed from said chamber duringdispensing.

6. The method of carbonating a fluid in a mixing chamber whichcomprises: providing a fluid in said chamber, adding a relatively highlypressurized carbonating gas to said chamber until a desired pressure isachieved in said chamber thereby carbonating the fluid in said chamberto a first level of carbonation, terminating the supply of fluid to saidchamber, dispensing a portion of said fluid from said chamber through anopening in said chamber, supplying an additional amount of saidrelatively high pressure gas to said chamber in a gas stream duringdispensing of said portion of said fluid, supplying said additional gasadjacent said opening, the gas stream at least partially intersectingwith the fluid stream exiting through said opening and dissolving aportion of said additional gas in the fluid being dispensed through saidopening thereby raising the carbonation of said dispensing fluid to asecondlevel.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said additional amount of gas issupplied tangentially to said opening.

8. A method of adding carbonation to a carbonated fluid which comprises:containing a carbonated fluid in a chamber, providing a dispensingopening in the chamber, withdrawing a portion of the fluid from thechamber through the opening, providing a stream of relatively highpressure carbonating gas within the chamber adjacent the opening duringwithdrawal of said portion, providing said stream of relatively highpressure carbonating gas at a point in the chamber positioned relativeto the opening whereby the exiting stream of relatively high pressuregas intersects with a portion of the fluid flow stream of saidcarbonated fluid flowing towards and through the said opening duringwithdrawal, and dissolving a portion of said gas in the fluid beingwithdrawn through the opening.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the gas stream is provided tangentiallyto said opening.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the remainder of the gas in saidstream is contained in the chamber to pressurize the chamber to aid inforcing of fluid out of the opening.

11. The carbonator of claim 4 wherein an adjustable pressure regulatoris connected to said vent effective to retain a selected pressure insaid chamber when said vent is opened.

12. The device of claim 5 wherein an adjustable pressure regulator isconnected to said vent effective to selectively retain a desiredpressure in said chamber less than the pressure in the said fluid supplysystem when said first valve means is positioned to open said vent,

2. The carbonator of claim 1 wherein the gas stream is directed to oneside of the dispensing opening.
 3. The carbonator of claim 2 wherein thegas stream is directed tangentially to the dispensing opening.
 4. Acarbonator for carbonating fluids comprising: a pressure vessel mixingchamber, a vent connected to said chamber adapted to vent the interiorthereof to the atmosphere, a fluid source connected with said mixingchamber adapted to supply fluid thereto, a relatively high pressure gassource connected to said mixing chamber and adapted to supplypressurized gas thereto, a dispensing opening in said chamber adapted towithdraw fluid from the interior thereof, means for closing the vent,means for shutting off flow of fluid to the mixing chamber, means forshutting off flow of pressurized gas to the mixing chamber, means forstopping withdrawal of fluid from the mixing chamber, means forcontrolling the vent means and gas means, and means for addingcarbonation to fluid being withdrawn from the chamber throughout saiddispensing opening, the inlet conduit from the gas souRce terminating inrelatively close spaced relation to the dispensing opening, the gasstream from the conduit being directed at the dispensing opening suchthat the fluid stream from the chamber through the dispensing openingpartially intersects the relatively high pressure gas stream from theconduit.
 5. A device for adding carbonation to a fluid comprising: apressure vessel mixing chamber; a vent for said chamber; a fluid supplysystem for said chamber; a pressurized gas supply system for saidchamber; a dispensing system for said chamber; first valve means adaptedto open and close said vent; second valve means adapted to open andclose said fluid supply system; third valve means adapted to open andclose said gas supply system; fourth valve means adapted to open andclose said dispensing system; first control means; said first controlmeans responsive to actuation of said fourth valve means; said firstcontrol means adapted to override a second control means; said secondcontrol means responsive to fluid level in said chamber; said secondcontrol means adapted to control said first and third valve means; saidsecond valve means responsive to pressure in said chamber adapted tosupply fluid to said chamber in the absence of pressure in said chamber;said first control means effective to continue supply of gas throughsaid gas supply system to said chamber during dispensing of fluid fromsaid chamber through said dispensing system; said dispensing systemhaving a dispensing opening in said chamber; said pressured gas supplysystem terminating in said chamber adjacent said dispensing opening; andsaid termination of said gas supply system effective to add carbonationto the fluid being dispensed from said chamber during dispensing.
 6. Themethod of carbonating a fluid in a mixing chamber which comprises:providing a fluid in said chamber, adding a relatively highlypressurized carbonating gas to said chamber until a desired pressure isachieved in said chamber thereby carbonating the fluid in said chamberto a first level of carbonation, terminating the supply of fluid to saidchamber, dispensing a portion of said fluid from said chamber through anopening in said chamber, supplying an additional amount of saidrelatively high pressure gas to said chamber in a gas stream duringdispensing of said portion of said fluid, supplying said additional gasadjacent said opening, the gas stream at least partially intersectingwith the fluid stream exiting through said opening and dissolving aportion of said additional gas in the fluid being dispensed through saidopening thereby raising the carbonation of said dispensing fluid to asecond level.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein said additional amount ofgas is supplied tangentially to said opening.
 8. A method of addingcarbonation to a carbonated fluid which comprises: containing acarbonated fluid in a chamber, providing a dispensing opening in thechamber, withdrawing a portion of the fluid from the chamber through theopening, providing a stream of relatively high pressure carbonating gaswithin the chamber adjacent the opening during withdrawal of saidportion, providing said stream of relatively high pressure carbonatinggas at a point in the chamber positioned relative to the opening wherebythe exiting stream of relatively high pressure gas intersects with aportion of the fluid flow stream of said carbonated fluid flowingtowards and through the said opening during withdrawal, and dissolving aportion of said gas in the fluid being withdrawn through the opening. 9.The method of claim 8 wherein the gas stream is provided tangentially tosaid opening.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the remainder of the gasin said stream is contained in the chamber to pressurize the chamber toaid in forcing of fluid out of the opening.
 11. The carbonator of claim4 wherein an adjustable pressure regulator is connected tO said venteffective to retain a selected pressure in said chamber when said ventis opened.
 12. The device of claim 5 wherein an adjustable pressureregulator is connected to said vent effective to selectively retain adesired pressure in said chamber less than the pressure in the saidfluid supply system when said first valve means is positioned to opensaid vent.